Donating my time

I’ve been photographing the dogs and cats of the Central Texas SPCA every since I started my business back in 2008. This always has and continues to be a very rewarding way for me to give back. The CTSPCA has continually shown me gratitude for the services I offer and they even went so far as to honor me as their Animal Advocate in 2009. Photographing all of the animals that come through the shelter doors can be difficult at times for varying reasons. I always strive to create a portrait that will hopefully capture just a glimmer of something special. A picture to make someone take a second look which will hopefully turn into an in person visit and then… adoption! I recently received a letter from a woman who explained that she adopted a dog in 2010 from CTSPCA because of his picture online. That letter meant a lot to me and it seriously made my day.

I’m sharing the letter below along with my favorite picture of this adorable pup. If you are looking for your forever friend look no further than your local animal shelter and if you’re in/around Central Texas definitely check out the Central Texas SPCA.

“I just wanted to say thank you. A picture that you took of a little dog at the Central TX SPCA ended up on petfinder.com at the time we were thinking about getting a pet. It was your set of 3 pictures that captured the personality of this little dog that we fell in love with at first sight. We called the next day, went across town to meet him, and brought him home a week later. We have had Skeeter now for a year and a half, and our favorite pictures of him are those that you have taken. I couldn’t make out the name of the photographer at the bottom of the photo until just recently, when my sister had posted the picture on her FB Wall. I could make out a clear partial of your name to search it on the computer. I had to write to thank you! Your volunteer work at the shelter, and the beautiful photos you took led us to this dog that has changed our lives, and we are so grateful to you! Please keep taking pictures at the local shelters; you are saving many lives with your gift!”

Nicole Mlakar-Livingston is a photographer in Austin, Texas. She provides lifestyle photography for pets and the people who love them. Specializing in dog and cat photography. Available for editorial and commercial assignments.